Big Step

Some how
when i look back
I feel like
each and every step of mine
is of no lesser importance. 

Ever since I shot the first slide I have been enchanted by experiments. I have searched for what photography can do and is. It was therefor no coincidence that my final piece from my school in Gothenburg was based on the possibilities of computers and Photography. When at home the work did not pass for exhibition by the Photographers Association of Iceland, It was not Photography they said. Since then many things have changed and my experiments and others have been exhibited by the Association. I have Even showed "Photography" made with out a camera or film. But the quest goes on
Digital technology is big step forward, but also big step backwards. Even though I use Digital technology to help me create the images for this exhibition it is my opinion that its impact on Photography is both positive and negative, and specially here in Iceland.
When I stared working on the images shown here I decided to go further than before, remembering what Bruce Gilden had to say about my work when he examined my graduation exhibition. After lengthy and good conversations about Photography and the images of other students the only thing he could say when he saw my pictures was "This is manipulated".
I therefor decided to clean the mind and let technology take control, in contradiction to Bruce Gilden and every thing he and document/press Photographers stood for, where the moment means every thing.
 
There has been a lot written about Photography and its role in capturing the moment, confirm an happening or show things in their "true" light It can best be described by the words of Garry Winogrand:

"I like to think of Photographing as a two way act of respect. Respect for the medium by letting it do what it does best, describe. And respect for the subject by describing it as it is. A photograph must be responsible to both. I Photograph to see what things look like photographed."  
Garry Winogrand 

I want to look further. Even though document or Press photographers try to show the true world the process of taking picture to publishing a picture must be colored by the attitude, feelings, perspective, process and picture picking of the Photographer. An editor even puts a new dimension to where and when this "true" moment is shown. In my work I wanted to see what happened if those true moments were taken and put in to one frame. Would the moment change or would there be born a new moment independent from the other moments.  

The words of Alvin Langdon Coburn from 1913 put a little light on my opinion on Photography:

"Why should not the camera artist break away from the worn out conventions and claim the freedom of expression which any art have to be alive.
Alvin Langdon Coburn 1913  

What ever road is taken to the final goal, its the moment when picture is looked up on that counts. If it has the desired effect, the technology or the thought behind its creation does not mater.
 
Here in this step Im the Photographer, image maker and editor. Even if I try to let technology in charge, its always my choose. I choose the images I like and what is shown. Subconscious is also strong and before i know i''''''''m doing images that relate to what is on my mind, nature of Iceland and the impact of man or nature it self on nature.
Weather it is man or nature there are taken big steps to better or worse depending on with who''''''''s eyes its looked up on.
Photography in Iceland has taken big step in to art gallery''''''''s and discussions.
The impact of man or nature on nature is a big step.
To take ones thoughts and put them in front of audience to enjoy or criticize is big step.

For better or for worse

Enjoy the slideshow here --> Big Step